310 ILCS 70/2

The General Assembly finds that homelessness frequently results from a temporary economic crisis such as a temporary loss of employment, medical emergency, or loss or interruption of public benefits. It is also found that the prevention of homelessness, as opposed to providing temporary shelter or offering other short-term solutions to persons who become homeless, is cost-effective, preserves family self-respect and helps to keep families intact. The General Assembly also finds that short-term interventions for the prevention of homelessness serve to prevent the need for long-term assistance programs that are more costly to taxpayers.